Northwest Airlines History Center

This free museum is a hidden gem for airline enthusiasts, those interested in history and memorabilia, and children attracted to aviation. Although the museum is relatively small, there’s a lot to see, so set aside an hour–or more–if you want to read all the displays, study the photos, and view the various scales of aircraft models on display. The small gift shop has some unique items in stock that would be of interest to Northwest Airlines and aviation fans in general.

Absolutely wonderful tribute to a better time – Minnesota’s own airline. Loved seeing and learning even more about Northwest – volunteers are very knowledgeable, and lots of Northwest (and other defunct airline) memorabilia available for sale! Would definitely visit again!

We had a great time visiting the Northwest Airlines History Center I highly recommend visiting. We learned a lot about Northwest Airlines, one of the most historically influential airlines! The volunteers were very friendly and helpful!

We enjoyed this little museum quite a lot. It has everything from uniforms to airplane seats to vintage toys and games. The most interesting piece to me was the wicker chairs that represent a bygone version of airplane seating! It’s free and the volunteer staff are friendly and informative.

I’ve been staying for 5 days at the Crown Plaza Suites MSP Airport and it was not until the last day that I came across the NW Airlines museum on the 3rd floor. What a great experience which I had more time! Wish the hotel lobby had more signage. Please visit the attendants are very pleasant and very knowledgeable.

This is a great small museum dedicated to a very long running airline brand and its corollary airlines. Truly a labor of love, it’s really all about the history of commercial aviation. The two volunteers here today are extremely friendly and very knowledgable and both worked in the airline industry for many years. This museum has everything from dozens of aircraft models, small and large; displays that cover everything from the very first commercial airlines and airports; flight attendant uniforms going years back; airline timetables (several boxes of them from various airlines over the years), various dishware and souvenirs offered on flights; actual seats from the 1930s to the 2000s (we air travelers have it good nowadays!), and THE GONG from the classic “Northwest-Orient Air Lines” commercials from way back. There’s also a gift shop with mugs, pins, books, wearables, etc. This is a great way to spend a cold winter afternoon. It can be a bit tricky to find this museum; it is located on the third floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, but you need to take some stairs to get there. Best to check at the front desk and they’ll show you how to find it. Former airline employees and aviation geeks will LOVE this museum as well as anyone that loves model aircraft.

Great museum, terrific and knowledgeable staff! If you are a Northwest Orient Airlines buff, or aviation enthusiast, this is a must stop!
They will even let you hit the gong!!!